Ok, I'm new here...I need advise...I'm looking to buy my first Harley...I really want to get out of it under 3k...so obviously Sporty...I love the look of the Iron...what would it take to build my own out of a standard 883 or possibly 1200...what springs...who makes quality rear (bobber) fenders...

 

buy one for 1k....spend 5k, buy one for 6k..spend 3k, i got mine for 3k, spent 2k changing, not done yet........gonna take more than you think, research what parts cost, how you want it, the look, style...........tons of options on parts out there for sporty's, work with your budget

 

I am looking to make a Sportster Bobber and his advice is actually pretty good. I am looking for under 2 if possible. I am looking at an 883 form1995 to 2000.

 

Of course there's always the 6 of one or a half dozen of the other argument...just thinking what's the cheapest way to get a base 883 and get the same stance and basic look of an iron for less then half the price (not to mention it's not going to be the exact same as everyone else). Does an Iron and base sportster (low, etc) use the same basic parts??

 

Do you prefer carb over efi?

 

I like both. I have an 06 FLSTi (Heritage Softail) that is EFI and i enjoy it and it is a daily plus long trip rider. My wife had an '02 Sporty 1200c as her first bike and it had Carb and it was a nice bike she now rides an 08 FLSTC (Heritage Softail Classic) that is injected.
I enjoy Carb for a build because (this is my thinking) I enjoy carbs I have had cars and bikes with carbs the FLSTi is my first ever injected bike and it is nice, I have a Power Commander on it so I can do some tuning on it, which is kind of fun and a little easier then a carb to adjust, but it is preference. I have friends that have never owned a carbed vehicle and can tune FI so easy, but give them a carb and they freak.
I think it is my love for older vehicles more then anything else. I mean the first car I worked on was restoring a 1966 Mark X Jag with 3 SU carbs and a 4.2 liter inline 6. I loved those carbs.

 

I second Zateeva -- research the parts first. I wanted a similar looking bike (mix between cruiser and bobber). I got the bike new, which was always the plan but due to trial and error on some parts (sometimes they just don't feel right on the bike) it takes time, and money.

You might be able to get a used bike which is already mid-change as far as bobber look. It could save you some time, money and grief!